Army Life – Dear Dad, Aunt Betty, Dave, Dick, etc. – Lad Is Now An Acting Corporal – August 16, 1942

Alfred Peabody Guion (Lad)

Aug. 16, ‘42

Dear Dad, Aunt Betty, Dave, Dick, etc.: –

I am now  Acting Corporal, so address my letters as such in the future. It happened this way. Yesterday, being Saturday, we had our usual review and inspection. That was finished about 11:00 A.M. and we were told to turn in our equipment as soon as possible and have our bags ready for transferring at 1:00 P.M. (1300 o’clock). At 1300, we fell out and were assigned to various of the Technical or Basic camps or Battalions. I was assigned to Co. C., 2nd Battalion. I got there with my duffel about 1400. It was only about five or six blocks so I made two trips. I reported to the 1st Sergeant and was assigned to the 4th Platoon and he told me to get my corporal stripes. So that is how it is. Since I arrived here after 1200 on Sat., the Co. clerk had left and I could not have a new pass made out, so I can’t leave the post until Monday, anyway, when the clerk will be able to type one for me. As to next weekend, I can’t say definitely as yet. I’ll try to let you know by Sat.

My car registration is in the little pocket below the dashboard at the right of the front seat. If those ration books are definitely marked as to when or what date each coupon is good for, will you please use the coupon yourself or put the gasoline in my car?

We have had rain every day this week and I don’t think this afternoon will be an exception. My love to all –

Lad

Tomorrow and Friday, a letter from Grandpa to his sons away from home.

Judy Guion

Army Life – Dear Dad – Lad Learns To Drive A Tank – August 12, 1942

Dan went into the Army in January of 1942 and Lad went in on May 15th, five months later. They are both receiving additional training beyond Basic. Dan is in North Carolina and Lad is at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Maryland. Ced is still in Anchorage, Alaska, maintaining airplanes for Woodley Airways. http://www.sitnews.us/Kiffer/PacificNorthernAirlines/091317_PNA.html

Alfred Peabody Guion (Lad)

Aug. 12, 1942

Dear Dad: –

Got back to Aberdeen with no mishaps except that I had to walk from the station to Camp. There were so many men desiring to get into Camp that I thought it advisable to rely on me instead of taxis and I’m glad I did. Some of the fellows didn’t get back here until after 5:30, A. M.

Monday passed as usual, but yesterday, after supper, I went back to the shops and applied for extra training. So last night I learned to drive a light tank. Sometime in the future I’ll be given instruction in operating a medium tank and also, half-track vehicles, very heavy wreckers, and tractors. I will be given a license to drive whatever of these vehicles I proved to be successful in operating, which is a start in obtaining a license for the operation of all Army vehicles.

A tank is a cross between a car and a tractor in its operation. The clutch and throttle, as in a car are foot operated. In a tractor they are both hand operated as well as the steering. Steering a tank is done, as in the tractor, by hand brake levers. They ride quite well, and only on the real big holes or ditches, do they bump or rock badly. I really enjoyed it.

Lad

Tomorrow, a letter from Grandpa to the Truants, on Wednesday, another letter from Lad and on Thursday and Friday, another letter from Grandpa telling the boys of the latest happenings in Trumbull.

Judy Guion

Army Life – Letter From Dan to Ced – My Poor Salacious Siwach – August 7, 1942

Dan is in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, being trained by the Army in survey work and his younger brother, Ced,  remains in Anchorage, Alaska, working at the air base there, repairing and maintaining planes and flying as a Bush Pilot. Before Dan was drafted into the Army, he was also in Anchorage,  living with Ced and working.

Cedric “Frump” Guion

Anchorage, Alaska

The Examination Stamp

letter written on yellow lined paper in pencil

                              Daniel (Dan) Beck Guion

8/7/42

Roanoke Rapids

My Poor Salacious Siwach —

I again take up my pen(cil, sadly) with mounting misgivings, fearful lest the next letter from you, inspired by this one, will divulge some new heinous outrage perpetrated by you (and that handful of masculine harlotry living with you) against the gentle folk of pastoral Alaska.

But when duty calls, it always finds me right “on the ball” (eight) (or should I say “testicles”, to rhyme with “calls”?), Except when it comes to changing my luck – – – – I have decided to stop changing my luck, not because I do not need any better luck, but rather because I have learned, to my consternation, that these blue ball dispensing black belles are better un-bumped, taken from either side.

Kitty and Cortina:

If you or Kay can find any use in Anchorage for those records, or any potential customer (anything over $10), you may return them (or sell them). If they are serving no purpose, you might send them back home before the Japs mistake them for rye crisps and suffer indigestion !

Volly P. –

My best regards, and stick around! I’ll be back after the war if there is any after.

Rusty’s pipe –

The curfew tolls the knell of parting bedbugs. It is cheaper than conventional fumigation, anyhow!

Buick –

You are free to use your own judgment. Cars are actually worth less around here at present, but values will leap when gasoline and rubber become available and  new cars are not yet on the production lines. I suppose Alaska faces a similar situation.

Dad’s allusion about my being sent to Alaska – mostly the old A. D. imagination. I told him that rumors were extant concerning possible moves in the fall to foreign lands – – – – and Alaska was one meager possibility among several others, equally as meager.

My being pleased with the Army –

It’s malicious slander, that’s what it is! I like the place I live in. I like the survey work. I like the men who are on it with me, but my greatest pleasure would be to stand with my legs spread out and my cock in both hands, and piss on everything military, from the whistle at reveille until the whistle at “recall”, wetting down particularly the sections relating to discipline and silly military customs.

___________________________

I have become a part (1/4) of a quartet, during the last week or so, and already have performed for the royal awestruck congregation at the 1st Baptist church, and for the local version of the R.F.A.D. (the vice of the Golden South). Tonight we four shall offer unction to the oafs at some corny revival meeting. It is for this meeting that I must close this letter, for time is bisecting itself with alarming rapidity, and I must away!

Give my regards to everyone, even Rutting Red, the Renegade –

Really,

Dan

Tomorrow and Sunday, more about “Liquid Heaven”, with Special Pictures and Memories of our Family Island Retreat. 

Judy Guion

Army Life – Dear Dad – Back in California – March, 1944

It is March of 1944. Lad and Marian are in Pomona, California. Lad is an Instructor of Vehicle and Diesel Engine Maintenance. Dan id in London working as a surveyor and Map Maker in preparation for D-Day. Ced remains in Anchorage, Alaska, working for Woodley Air Field, which has been taken over by the Army, as an airplane mechanic and Bush Pilot. Dick is in Sataliza, Brazil, acting as liaison between the local employees and the Army and Dave is at Camp Crowder, Missouri, receiving further training before being sent overseas.

Friday

Dear Dad –

While I’m basking in the California sunshine, (not the liquid variety !) and trying to dry my hair, I thought I’d better catch up on my letter writing to the members of the family on the East Coast. I received a notice from the post office at Hooks (Texas, where they were just staying before Lad was transferred back to California) saying that there was a package there for me, so I hurriedly dispatched the few stamps needed to have it sent out here to California. It should arrive any day now, and my curiosity is aroused as to what it might contain.

I can very readily sympathize with you, Dad, when you try to buy any sort of a gift for these “G.I. Caballeros”. It is awfully hard, I know, ‘cause there is so very little that they can use, and what they can use they can usually get right on the Post. With Lad’s birthday coming up, I am in a dither. Of course, I might hold out on the sweater that I’ve knit? Knitted? Nuts! – finished for him, but as it was sort of promised to him when I reached Texarkana – and then as a Valentine gift – I guess I’d better hand it over pronto, or he’ll begin to doubt my word! If I’m right here with him and don’t know what to get him, I can just imagine what you must be trying to think of when you can’t even see him. But I assure you it wouldn’t do any good so far as gifts are concerned. He has no ideas on the subject, so is none too helpful on that score.

As a passing thought, you asked when my birthday was. It is November 11th – almost the same as our anniversary – so what a wonderful present I received last year – and being three days late made absolutely no difference. US Mails (and males) are unpredictable these days, anyway!

Did I tell you that we received a perfectly delightful letter from Dan, dated February 9th – in which he reveals a certain family dispute over one box of cigars which we neglected to label at Christmas time. I know both you and Aunt Betty will appreciate the letter so I’m enclosing it with this letter. Wish we could see your expression when you read it! (More on this subject in Grandpa’s letter which I will be posting on Wednesday)

Lad had an unexpected holiday yesterday so we went into Pasadena, took care of a couple of business matters – stopped by the Hospitality Center in South Pasadena to say “Hello” and then went in to LA for dinner. These spur of the moment holidays are one of the many reasons why I’m glad I’m not working at a steady job, ‘cause I can go right along with him at a moment’s notice – and it’s always fun.

I am working two or three days a week at a department store, and altho’ I’ve never done this type of work before, I find it lots of fun and just enough work to keep me out of mischief.

My love to all –

Marian

Lad Guion and Marian Irwin – 1943

Hi folks,

Just a note to let you know that I’m still able to keep going. In your “Universal” letter of February 27th you gave Dan’s serial number wrong. It should have been 31 – etc. instead of 13 – as you wrote. Got a letter from Dave yesterday and he really seems to be enjoying the Army. I’m glad. Well – toodle-oooooo, and love to all. Laddie

Tomorrow, a letter from Alta and Arnold Gibson (Gibby – Lad’s best friend from Trumbull) to Ced. 

Judy Guion

Army Life – Dear Dad – Lad is Fighting Mosquitoes – July 25, 1942

Alfred Peabody Guion (Lad)

July 25, ‘42

Dear Dad: –

As you probably have deducted, your oldest son let you down last week, completely. But, I have a good reason. (In the Army they do not accept an excuse, but a good reason will sometimes work). Last Thursday – that is a week ago – we were called together and told that commencing that evening we would start to move camp to our new location. We started, and finally have the place fully arranged and in passable condition. Until the camp was in this condition we would not be allowed to even leave the Co. area, so you can bet we all worked as long as there was light. Well, we finished Thursday, and then last night we went on a hike, making tonight the first day I’ve had a chance to write a letter. As luck would have it, I’ve been assigned to a detail for the evening. I’ll be through at midnight, but it will be late, and foolish I think, to start for Trumbull at that hour. However, it looks now as if I may be able to head for Trumbull next weekend, unless another duty presents itself before that time. Anyway, I’ve got my fingers crossed.

This new area to which we have moved is across the Parade Ground, upon which those new buildings are being erected, from the Service Club. Since there is grass around the tents it is a great deal nicer. But the mosquitoes are worse than ferocious. And they are certainly plentiful.

Tonight I’m C.Q. (Charge of Quarters) from 6 to 12, and have to carry a revolver. C.Q. is sort of an administrative job, and I take charge of the Co. in the absence of the First Sergeant. But I don’t like the job because there is very little to do, and too much time in which to do it. And to top things, the previously mentioned mosquitoes are raising Hell with me right now. Some of them raise welts 1/2 inch or larger in dia. And they itch for hours afterwards.

I have three weeks of Cadre left and am now a senior member of the Co. This means that from now on I’m subject to duty as acting sergeant of the platoon. In fact, tomorrow I have that job until about noon when the Sergeant returns.

I’m still teaching and enjoying it more and more.

I received your last letter, a letter from Schick, Inc. One of the items was a shaving head. Did you ask them to do the work they suggested or did you eliminate the head?

Give my love to Aunt Betty and remember me to everybody.

Lad.

Tomorrow and Sunday, I will be posting more of “Liquid Heaven”, our Island Family Retreat, noting Special Places and Memories.

Judy Guion

Army Life – Dear Dad – Lad is an Instructor – July 12, 1942

It is the middle of 1942 and Grandpa’s three oldest boys are all in the service of Uncle Sam. Lad is at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Aberdeen, Maryland, instructing new recruits on the finer points of Diesel engines. Dan is in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, learning the intricacies of surveying and map making as part of a TOPO (Topography) Unit that will be going overseas. Ced is still in Anchorage, Alaska, working as an airplane mechanic and Bush  Pilot for Woodley Aircraft, whose field has been taken over by the Army to defend Alaska. Ced keeps getting deferments but is always wondering when that will stop and he will have to join up. 

Alfred Peabody Guion

July 12, 1942

Dear Dad:

You asked me to let you know how I made out in my teaching course. The class was divided into five groups, by final score on the complete course, and I was in the fourth group. Not quite as good as the best, but well up in the class. And, to top matters, I’m now, plus everything else, instructing a class in Diesel Engines. Anyhow, that could hardly be bettered in the Army, as far as I’m concerned. But it does mean a lot of work on my part, because it is a new course, and I have to lay out a teaching program and the fellow who is in on the ground floor with me (there were only two of us in the whole Dep’t.) knows very little about Diesels. In fact, I’ve had to teach him quite a bit so far. However, we get along together well, and I think I’ll enjoy the work. He is a corporal and his name is Donald Frankenhausen. Our first class starts tomorrow.

The battery for my razor arrived yesterday to the tune of $3.22 which isn’t too bad at all.

Do you remember the parade ground on which they were building? Instead of four buildings there are now 19 completed, 27 others with the floors laid and ready for the sides and roofs, 23 more with the floor frames in place and 46 in various stages of completion. In two or three weeks the complete layout will be ready for occupation. (Isn’t it just like Lad to make note of the number of buildings in various stages of construction and to write home about it?)

I’ve not had a chance to see the Captain about insurance or anything else as yet, but I hope to find time this week.

Well, I’ve got to get going on my lesson plans again, so – hasta luego –

Lad

Tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, a Round Robin letter from Friends and Family back in Trumbull, and on Friday, another letter from Lad.

Judy Guion

Trumbull – Dear Members of the Family Circle (1) – News From The Far Corners of the World – March 5, 1944

At this point in time, Dan is stationed in London, England, where he is working in the TOPO (Topography) Unit, and as a surveyor, he is making maps in preparation for the D-Day Invasion. Ced is returning to Anchorage, Alaska, where he works as a civilian for the Army as an Airplane mechanic and Bush Pilot.  Lad and Marian have been travelling quite a bit from California to Texas and back to California. They were able to spend a little time with Ced when he stopped by for a visit on his way to Alaska. Dave, who enlisted in January, has been sent to Camp Crowder, Missouri, for more Basic Training.

Alfred Duryee Guion (Grandpa) writing his weekly letter

Trumbull, Conn.,  March 5, 1944

Dear members of the family circle:

The Trumbull Weekly Clearing House Association is ready to report on the news from the far corners of the world.

Daniel Beck Guion

From Dan: “Nothing startling to divulge– life has followed much the same pattern for the past month or so — plays, concerts, French lessons, pub crawling – all the little uselessnesses that keep life fascinating. I heard from Sylvia in Canada with the names of a few people I might look up. Tobacco is scarce over here for civilians and exorbitantly priced. Cigars are scarce for everybody, GIs included. I am sorry to realize that grandmother has passed. I was very fond of her — always good-natured and helpful. She grew old so gracefully that she seemed much younger — her spirit never lost its youth. Well, maybe with so many Guion’s thrown into the war we can bring it to a speedy conclusion. To the day when we all meet again. Cheerio.”

Cedric Duryee Guion

From Ced: (Seattle, Feb. 29th) “I am leaving this morning at 9 AM on the Northland Transportation Companies NORTH SEA. It looks like a nice ship. Arrived here last Saturday night and have been through a great new section of the country en route. Saw Lad and Marian and looked up Edna Schwenke in Tacoma. Details in letter later.”

David Peabody Guion

From Dave: “I’ve finished one week of basic training and don’t find it a bit tough. I am told that the first couple of weeks aren’t usually hard anyway. I also find that you must go from one thing to another here (you can’t waste time or dilly-dally). Naturally that’s kind of tough for me. I’m not supposed to tell what I do, see or hear while I’m doing my basic, which gives me very little to talk about because everything one does here is basic training. I still like the camp very much. The food for the most part is excellent. My face is filling out and I know I feel a whole lot healthier. Saturday is the big day around here. We have barracks, rifle (which is plenty tough), and personal and foot locker inspection on Saturday. Everything is spotless — especially that old Enfield rifle. There’s plenty of recreation here – movies (we get a lot of them before they are released to the public), three service clubs, each company has a day room (which has a piano which gets plenty of exercise) and of course PX. Even the KP isn’t bad here. I was on KP last Tuesday — just routine detail, not punishment of any sort. I spent most of the day in the pantry munching on cookies, dried apricots and what have you. I still haven’t heard from Lad. I do hope they can get a week off and come up here to pay me a visit. I also wish Ced had known where I was when he left home. He could have gotten a train from St. Louis to Camp Crowder and a bus from here to Texarkana. My love to all — even Smoky.”

Alfred Peabody Guion (Lad)

From Lad: “I have been upped a grade. My official title in writing is T/3 but I am still addressed as Sgt. The big point is that it puts me up into the first three grader classification and means $18 more per month. It should not be mistaken for what is called a Tech. Sgt. Three days before leaving for Calif. the Buick clutch started to slip so I had to put in a new one. To do it I needed a free day and the first one I could get was Monday of last week or my first day of traveling time. Had it not been for the clutch we would never have seen Ced. He showed up at Hooks early Monday morning. He seems fine but has changed a little in the interval since I last saw him over five years ago. He’s a little heavier and his hair is darker and he has matured a great deal. He’s still the same old Ced otherwise.”

Tomorrow, the rest of this letter including news from Marian and Dick as well as Grandpa’s comments about other Trumbull news.

Judy Guion

Trumbull – Dear sons (1) – Grandpa’s Adventure Exploring the Army’s Natural Habitats of Lad and Dan – July 12, 1942

Trumbull, Conn., July 12, 1942

Dear Sons:

Daniel Beck Guion

As you may have noticed, for the first time in several years I missed out last Sunday on my regular weekly letter, the reason being I was flitting from hither to yon. Dan had come home on a 10-day furlough and I decided to take a few days off (the first I had taken in several years – – since the trip to the Gaspe, as a matter of fact), and go back with Dan, stopping off to see Lad on the way home. We started, Dan and I, on Friday, taking the bus from Trumbull to the Bridgeport station, train to New York, stopped off for a few minutes to see Elsie, thence by shuttle to the Pennsylvania station and P.R.R. (Pennsylvania Railroad) air-conditioned train to Washington. As Dan had a return ticket by bus from Washington to Roanoke Rapids, I decided to follow the same route. Outside of the N.Y. subway during the rush hour, I have never traveled any distance on a more crowded conveyance. We started from Washington at 5:15 P.M. Friday, changed buses about midnight at Richmond and arrived at Roanoke about 2 o’clock Saturday. Dan took me to the only hotel, a very pleasant, clean little hostelry – – the only one in town, and while it was lots hotter then Trumbull, I had a good-sized outside room. Dan called for me next day about 8 o’clock informing me he had gone to report but as they failed to call his name on the role, he had the morning free. After showing me about the town a bit we took a very interesting two hour trip through a big textile mill after which he showed me through the Armory where they are stationed, ate lunch and spent the afternoon calling at the homes of some very charming southern families, friends of Dan, who all expressed in very tangible manner the reputed spirit of Southern hospitality that one hears about and which is so different from our rather cold northern manner. It being very hot and humid, neither of us felt like eating much so we had a light lunch and went to the local movies. In order to make proper connections by train for visiting Lad, I had to take the 5:15 train from the next town early Sunday morning, so I said goodbye to Dan, went back to the hotel and retired a bit after nine.

            Alfred Peabody Guion (Lad)

Up again at 4:30 Sunday, made the train O.K., arriving at Washington at 9:25. Had breakfast in the railroad station, left on the 11 o’clock train arriving at Aberdeen about 12:30, phoned to Lad after arriving at Camp and found he had to attend class, which, however, left him free for the afternoon from 3:30. We had a most interesting tour of this immense encampment, inspected Lad’s tent, had a most delicious army supper, walked around some more, tried to find a place where I could stay all night but being a 4th of July weekend, they were all filled up. Said goodbye to Lad and started for the 10:45 at Aberdeen which however did not arrive until almost 11:30. Because this train was late I missed a connection at Philadelphia for the 1:15 New York train and had to wait until 4:00 A.M. I reached New York just in time to miss connections for the Bridgeport “milk train” but finally arrived tired and sleepy at my home town at 8:30. To Trumbull by bus where I snatched a few hours sleep and went down to the office. Altogether I had a most interesting trip, in spite of the difficulties incident to poor train connections, and of course enjoyed seeing my two sons in their natural habitat – – to say nothing of the pleasure of seeing them and meeting their friends. As I review the few hours spent with them I couldn’t help but be reminded of a recitation my father used to give which made quite an impression on my boyhood mind and by contrast, how different my trip was to that described in “The Old Man Goes To Town”, which I will try to find time to copy and send with this letter.

Tomorrow, I’ll be posting the second half of this letter with news of Ced and bits and pieces of information to Dan and Lad. On Friday, the poem “The Old Man Goes To Town” , regarding different experiences a father has with his three sons as adults and his reflections about how they were raised.

Judy Guion  

Trumbull – Dan’s Furlough and Dick’s Physical – June 28, 1942

Trumbull, Conn., June 28, 1942

Dear Boys:

Daniel Beck Guion

The big News this week is the telegram I got from Dan Thursday telling me his 10-day furlough had just been granted and to wire him 20 smackers so that he could pay his fare home. He arrived Friday about supper time but alas, having eaten something that did not digest so well along with hot weather, lack of sleep etc., he felt rather low upon arrival, but after heaving up what remained of the causus “belli” and getting some sleep, he attained his pristine condition and has since been luxuriating in doing just what he darned pleases to do whenever and wherever the fancy strikes him. No high-pressure parties or exciting doings such as you see described in LIFE as the typical doughboy on leave doin’s, but all that is necessary  to satisfy him. He has to be back by reveille July 4th and there is just a bare possibility I may be able to arrange things so that I can go back with him, stopping at Aberdeen enroute to check up on my other soldier. Of course what I should like to do would be to make this trip via Anchorage and drop in on my pilot son and find out why he doesn’t write a bit more frequently, but until they get that road finished I guess I’ll have to forgo that pleasure. Dan says he has come to place little credence on the many rumors that continually float around as to where his unit might be sent, but one which he hopes will materialize is a report they might be sent to Alaska to do some mapping work.

Dick took his physical at Shelton Tuesday and apparently the doctor found no reason why he should not be acceptable to his Uncle Sammy, so I suppose before long, I shall be driving my third boy up to the Derby railroad station. Apparently I’m supposed to keep this up indefinitely.

As for your requests, Lad old bean, don’t you know one way to make me happy is to give me something to do for any of you boys. I only regret in true Nathan Hale style that I can do so little. Perhaps I will bring down with me what you want in the way of boxes, watch and coat hangers. If I don’t go I’ll mail them to you. On the battery, I called up Remington Rand and they told me they did not handle these anymore but did give me the name of a concern in the west to whom I immediately wrote for information, prices, but have not yet had a reply. I was a bit puzzled on the razor matter. You asked if we had one we could spare. I could not dope out whether you meant a dry shaver or a safety razor. If the former and you did not have a battery I could not see how that would help it, if the latter, you said the Army had furnished you with a Gillette, so I’m kinder up a tree on that one.

Aunt Betty Duryee (Grandpa’s Mother’s sister)

Aunt Betty says: “Give my love to the boys and tell them I think of them often even though I don’t say anything.”

For your information, Ced, Lad is out of the hospital. His stay was brief and on return to duty he was transferred to Co. D, 8th Bn. for his second period of training. It lasts 8 weeks and he will not be able to get leave until sometime after the middle of July. He is now being trained for a non-com rating and instructorship which means a pretty heavy schedule from _ A.M. to 8 P.M.

And Lad, I have been intending in every letter to tell you that the Gladstone bag with your clothes in it arrived safely. I had the soiled things washed and put away and your woolen outerwear hung in my moth proofed closet.

DAD

*************************************

Alfred Duryee Guion (Grandpa) at his trusty Remington typewriter

This penny postcard from Lad to his father, Grandpa, was written on June 30, 1942, and post marked July 1, 1942. It was sent to Grandpa’s business address in Bridgeport, probably because mail sent there would be delivered sooner. Notice there is no zip code. Penny postcards really did exist.

Tues. Aft. 6/30/42

Dear Sir:-

I am trying to put 4 years of teacher training into my head in 6 days__!  Wow!!! I shouldn’t even be taking this time, but I have 10 minutes between classes for a smoke and instead of writing my lessons, I’m trying to tell you that this is the longest “letter” you will get this week. I spent Sunday in a little preparatory reading and didn’t write at all. I got your letter this noon and sincerely hope you can find time to make a stop in Aberdeen. However, I would not be able to see you if you come before Friday, I’m afraid. Also, there is a rumor that there may be a parade in Balto (Baltimore). Saturday, and if so, I may have to go. If so, why not wait here for me to return? Anyhow – here’s hoping. I don’t remember if I mentioned the receipt of the $5.00. Anyhow I got it. Thanks. See you soon, and there goes the whistle – Lad

Tomorrow I will begin posting a three-part letter from Grandpa to his sons, which will finish out the week.

Judy Guion

Army Life – Dear Dad – Moving Up The Ladder – June 21, 1942

We begin a week of letters written in the beginning of the summer of 1942. Both Lad and Dan are receiving further training in their chosen fields. Lad is at the Ordnance Training Center at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Aberdeen, Maryland, for further training in vehicle maintenance and Dan is in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, for further training in surveying and map making.

Alfred Peabody Guion (Lad)

Next to the circled area Lad has written: “Ordnance Insignia”

June 21st, 1942

Dear Dad –

Please note change of address above. I have succeeded in the first step up the ladder, but it also has its drawbacks. I cannot leave here for at least five weeks. And then, between then and the termination of my second period of training, I might be able to get home once. At most twice. This second period covers eight weeks from today.

I am now located in the Cadre School, where I will receive the training for a non-com and instructorship. If I go through with flying colors, I have a chance at Officers Training. Our Co. Commander gave us a little talk yesterday afternoon and apparently we will have little time for anything but study. Therefore, please don’t feel slighted if you don’t hear much from me in the next two months. I’ll do the best I can, but study is going to come first. Our days starts at 7:15 AM and ends at 8:30 PM. Between 6:00 and 7:15 AM we clean house and shave and eat breakfast.

I got out of the hospital yesterday morning at 8:30 and upon my arrival at Barracks 2-Bn. 1, I was told that I had to be ready to move to Co. D at 9:00. I really had to rush to make it, but I did. I helped put up tents, we live in 12’ x 12’ tents, and heard a lecture given by our C.O. Other than that, we did very little except to arrange our own stuff and clean up around our tent. Six men live in each tent, and since there is no electricity, we can’t do much after 9:00.

Today, being Sunday, we haven’t had to do very much, but it has been far more than had we still been in Bn. 1. Our Co. is made up of 4 platoons, and I’m in the second. Each day one of the four is assigned to guard duty about the area, and today is plat. 2. Then Guion being right up near the top of the list, since 2^nd plat. is made up of men in G,H,I,J,K & L, I am on guard at present, on relief # 3. I have just finished the first guard, 4:00 is 6:00 P.M. I go on again at 10:00 till 12:00 and once more at 4:00 to 6:00 A.M. More on Co. D of the 8^th when I get a chance.

I’m sorry I never mentioned having received the hangers, but I did (7) and I would like some more if you can find any (6). The stronger the better, and only all-steel. And there are a few other things I would like. In repairing my razor, Schick did not do such a good job and I’d like to send it back again, and therefore, send me one from home to use temporarily, Fine, if not, just say so. The Army supplied me with a safety razor which I’m using just now. Also, since we have no electricity, I would like to have you send me one of those 110 V. Batteries. The only ones I have seen so far have been made by Rem. Rand Shaver Div. Maybe you can’t get one of those either, but I’d like to have you try. I intended to go into Baltimore or Philadelphia and get one, but I can’t get out of here at all. Another thing is my watch. I left it upstairs in the attic, on the little table by the N. E.  window near a book called “Semper Fidelis”. My Elgin came in this book (or box as it actually is) and you can use it for the watch. In turn I will send back my Elgin for cleaning and general checking. I don’t like to ask you to do all of these things, but I was really planning to be home either this  weekend or next weekend, and now I can’t make it for quite some time, and it all has to be done. However, don’t put yourself out, as there really isn’t any terrific rush. I think that is all, at present. Oh!! No – two things more. I took with me to Camp Devens, Dick’s Gladstone bag. Did you or he ever get it back with clothes of mine in it? And also, I would like three or four rather sturdy, but small, boxes, like candy boxes (1 lb.) or the like and not too shallow. A couple of inches deep, 4” to 6” x 4” to 8”. They will be used to put loose things of like materials (shoe shining equip., etc.) in my duffel bag. We do not have footlockers here.

You asked me what “Addere Flamman” means. Literally, I don’t know, but I suppose it means “Flaming Bomb”, which is the Ordnance Dep’t. Insignia.

Well, I seem to have run out of thoughts, Dad, so I guess I’ll have to call it quits. Remember me to all and sundry, and good health and luck.

Lad

Tomorrow, a quick postcard from Lad and a letter from Grandpa. Another letter from Grandpa tp Lad will finish out the week.

Judy Guion